Readings in American History: The American West
The last few decades have brought an explosion of new historical research and writing on the American West, in fields ranging from environmental, cultural, and urban history to Native American, gender, social and labor history. We will explore how scholars define and interpret the region which, perhaps more than others, has come to define the United States as a nation and Americans as a diverse people. Readings will trace how the West was created, conquered, settled, and transformed, and will explore the vibrant contests over land, democracy, identity, and mythic imagination that define the region. (formerly HIST 0411) 3 hrs. sem.